RESIDENTS SHOULD BE SUSPICIOUS OR LEERY OF INDIVIDUALS CLAIMING TO BE WATER INSPECTORS OR WATER DISASTER EMPLOYEES

On Sunday, March 28, 2010 at about 7:45am, officers from Area D-14 (Brighton) officers responded to a radio call to take a report for a breaking and entering in the area of 47 Mansfield Street. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated the he woke in the morning to discover money and valuables missing from his home. As a result, he assumed someone had broken into his home during the night. However, when asked if anyone had been in the house recently, the victim stated that an employee from the ‘Water Disaster Department’ had visited and been allowed entry into his home the day before. When officers asked the victim to provide additional information relative to the incident with the so-called employee, the victim stated that at about 10:30am, on Saturday, March 27, 2010, the individual rang his bell and identified himself as an employee from the Water Disaster Department. The victim says the suspect had some sort of gold badge tied around his neck that read, ‘Water Disaster Department’.

According to the victim, the employee stated that a house, a few doors down, was flooding and he needed to check the victim’s basement for the possibility of similar flooding. Once inside the home, the victim accompanied the suspect/employee to his basement. Once in the basement, the suspect instructed the victim to turn his washer machine on. With the machine on, the suspect stated he needed to run outside for a quick minute but, while he was outside, he needed the victim to remain in the basement in order to continue monitoring and watching the washer machine.

After waiting in the basement for about 10 to 15 minutes, the victim says he returned to the 1st floor of his home. Victim further states that the employee never returned. The victim describes the suspect as a Hispanic male in his 40’s, approximately 5’6” in height, wearing a Russian hat, tan jacket and brown boots.

The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances around this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at Area D-14 (Brighton) at (617) 343-4256.

In the meantime, given the likelihood of additional rains, area residents are asked to be highly suspicious or wary of any individual or individuals wishing to gain entry inside your home. If a person, especially one claiming to be an employee of the Water Disaster Department or Department of Water & Sewer knocks on your door and requests entry, you are asked to call police immediately.

SAFETY TIPS FOR HOME OWNERS:

Never let a stranger into your home.

Never open your door automatically to anyone.

Before opening your door, use a peephole to see who’s knocking on your door.

If the person is unfamiliar to you, call police or instruct the individual to leave your home.

If the person asks to use your telephone, offer to place the call for him or her yourself.

If a person claims to be with the Water Department, deny any requests to enter your home and call 9-1-1.

Don't hesitate to report any crime or suspicious activities.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

The Boston Police Department urges any community members with information regarding similar incidents to call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department is interested only in your information, not your identity.